Selectable multi-channel resonant reed relay



March 15, 1966 A. N FISCHER 3,240,898

SELECTABLE MULTI-CHANNEL RESONANT REED RELAY Filed Oct. 1, 1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 March 15, 1966 A. N. FISCHER SELECTABLE MULTI-CHANNEL RESONANT REED RELAY 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 1, 1962 March 15, 1966 A. N. FISCHER SELECTABLE MULTI-CHANNEL RESONANT REED RELAY 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 1 1962 Use/an T01? INVENTOR.

United States Patent 3,240,898 SELECTABLE MUL'II-CHANNEL RESONANT REED RELAY Alfred N. Fischer, North Tonawanda, N.Y., assignor, by

mesne assignments, to Perry Laboratories, Inc., a corporation of New York Filed Oct. 1, 1962, Ser. No. 227,319 13 Claims. (Cl. 200-91) This invention relates to the art of resonant reed relays, and particulary to a selectable multi-channel resonant reed relay.

It is well known that resonant reed relays are used for selective signalling. A steel reed which has a predetermined frequency of vibration is exposed to an alternating current electromagnetic field. When the electromagnetic field is established by an alternating current at the same frequency as the natural frequency of the reed, the reed is set in vibration. It is known that the reed may carry an electric contact for engagement with another relatively fixed contact, whereby to establish an electric circuit when the reed is vibrated.

A vibrating reed relay utilizing a single reed inherently will respond to only a single frequency, or a very narrow band of frequencies. In many instances, it is desirable to have a relay which can respond selectively to any of a predetermined group of frequencies. For example, in the case of remote control garage door operators, the receivers in any given neighborhood must all respond to different frequencies. In many respects, it is impractical to provide a different relay for each receiver, and yet heretofore it has been impossible to change frequency response in any other manner.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a vibrating or resonant reed relay having a plurality of channels any selected one of which is operable.

It is another object of this invention to provide a multi-channel resonant reed relay in which any one or all channels are instantaneously selectable simply by the rotation of a knob.

It is another object of this invention to provide a resonant need relay having a single means for establishing an electromagnetic field with a plurality of differently tuned reeds exposed thereto, in combination with means for selectively damping the reeds.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a resonant reed relay having improved contact means there- It is a more specific object of this invention to provide a resonant reed relay having a resilient wire contact affording a wiping action upon contact engagement to insure proper electric engagement at all times.

It is yet another object of this invention to utilize a vibrating reed relay as a control element for an oscillator.

Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a selectable rnulti-channel resonant reed relay constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 3 is an end view thereof with parts broken away as taken substantially along the line 33 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view taken substantially along the line 4-4 FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line 6-6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a horizontal sectional view as taken substantially along the line 77 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary cross sectional view on an enlarged scale as taken substantially along the line 88 in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 9a9d are cross sectional views through the damper shaft as taken respectively along the lines a-a through dd in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary cross sectional view on an enlarged scale similar to a portion of FIG. 8 and illustrating a modification of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view taken horizontally up substantially along the line 11-11 in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is another fragmentary cross sectional view generally similar to. a portion of FIG. 4, and showing a modification of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the structure of FIG. 4 used in combination with an oscillator; and

FIG. 14 is a schematic view similar to FIG. 13 showing a modification thereof.

Referring now in greater particularity to the drawings, there will be seen a selectable multi-channel resonant reed relay 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. Considering the relay in the position shown in FIG. 1, the height is about 1 /2", the depth front to back (right to left on a diagonal) is about 1%", while the overall dimesion from side to side is slightly under 1%".

The relay 10 comprises a base 12 formed of sheet metal, conveniently steel. The base includes a bottom wall or floor 14, an upstanding front wall 16, and an upstanding rear wall 18, parallel to the front Wall. The base 12 carries a substantially U-shaped frame 20 of non-magnetic material, a non-ferrous alloy being satisfactory. The frame 20, as best seen in FIG. 4, comprises a relatively long arm or plate 22 and a relatively short arm or plate 24 spaced in parallelism therefrom by a bight 26. The frame 20 is adjustably held on the base 12 by means of screws 28 extending through slots in the bottom wall 14 of the base and threaded into suitable aperatures in the arm or plate 22 of the frame.

A substantially L-shaped coil-mounting bracket 30 is mounted on the bracket 20 in a manner to be disclosed shortly hereinafter. The coil mounting bracket 30 comprises a flat floor or magnetic return portion 32 lying flush against the bottom arm or plate 22 of the frame and extending from a position beyond the upstanding front and back walls 16 and 18 of the base to a position lying between these walls, Between these walls, the coil mounting bracket extends up at 34.

A coil 36 is mounted over the upturned coil mounting bracket portion 34, and will be seen to be oblong in end view or cross section. The coil is of conventional construction comprising a plastic coil form or spool 38 on which the wire is mounted. The ends of the wire are connected to a pair of terminals 40 mounted on suitable plastic pieces 42 extending from the spool. The end of the bracket portion 34 extends above the coil at 44, and will be seen to comprise a pole piece upon suitable magnetic energization of the bracket 30.

A permanent magnet 46 of cylindrical configuration is mounted on top of the end of the portion 32 of the coil mounting bracket 30, and a magnetic return bracket 48 is mounted on top of the magnet. The magnetic return bracket is L-shaped, and comprises a horizontal plate portion 50, and a portion 52 upstanding at right angles thereto. It will be seen that the top of the portion 52 terminates on a level with the top of the pole piece or face 44. A bolt or screw 53 extends through the horizontal portion 50 of the bracket 48 and also through the magnet 46 and the fioor 32 of the bracket 30, and is threaded into the horizontal arm 22 of the frame 20 to mount both brackets and the magnet on the frame.

As may be seen in most of the drawings, but particularly in FIG. 8, an insulating strip 54 lies on top of the frame arm 24. The manner in which this is held in place will be brought out shortly hereinafter. The insulated strip 54 may be of any desired nature, but conveniently is of fiber material. A reed assembly 56 lies atop the insulating strip 54, and includes a sandwich of a metal strip 58, and an overlying metal strip 60, both of predetermined thickness, with a relatively thinner strip or base 62 of metal lying between them. Another strip of insulating material 64 overlies the reed base 56.

The reed base 62 is preferably formed integral with a plurality of vibratory reeds 66 extending therefrom. Four such reeds are shown for exemplary purposes. In the preferred embodiment, each of the reeds is of different length, as best may be seen in FIG. 7, and each reed is of a different natural frequency of vibration. How ever, the principles of the invention apply equally well if the reeds are all of the same frequency. The ends of all of the reeds overlie the pole piece 44 of the coil mounting bracket 30, and the reeds also overlie the magnetic return bracket 52. The reeds are of steel, as will be appreciated.

A permanent magnetic path is established from the magnet 46 through the coil mounting bracket 30, the reeds 66 and the return bracket 48. When the coil 36 is energized with alternating current, an alternating magnetic field is superimposed on the permanent magnetic field, the circuit or path being the same as for the permanent magnetic field. The permanent magnet makes a reed respond to an alternating current of its own frequency. If the permanent magnet is omitted, each reed will respond to a sub-harmonic.

The base 62 is provided near one end with an extending tab or terminal 68 for the making of electrical connection to the reeds. A plurality of fixed contacts 70 is disposed on top of the insulating strip 64, each being in alignment with one of the reeds 66. Each contact 70 is in the form of a blade, and has a protruding, upturned rear end forming a terminal 72. Each contact blade 70 has at its outer end a downwardly extending protuberance forming a contact element 74. According to the electrical requirements of the unit, these may be attached elements, or simply may be dimples formed in the contact blade 70. Each of the contact elements or protuberances 74 is positioned for engagement by an adjacent area or contact means of a respective reed 66 upon vibration of the respective reed. A separate contact may be provided on each reed if necessary or desired. Each contact blade 70 is provided with an upward step 76 immediately above the edge of the insulating strip 64 for purposes immediately hereinafter to be set forth, and further is provided with a small hole 78 above the center line of the insulating strip 64.

A nylon or other suitable insulating material contact block 80 overlies the fixed contacts 70. It comprises a relatively thickened base portion 82 having channels 84 formed in the underside thereof receiving the contact blades 70 rearwardly of the steps or offset 76 therein. Each channel 84 has centrally thereof a depending teat 86 extending into the corresponding opening 78 of the respective fixed contact 7 0 for proper positioning thereof in cooperation with the sides of the channel and with the step 76.

A pair of screws 88 passes through the contact block 80, through the base of the reed assembly 56, and through the insulators 64 and 54, and is threaded into the top wall or arm 24 of the frame 20.

The contact block 80 further comprises a forwardly projecting shelf portion 90 of lesser thickness overlying the ends of the fixed contacts 70. A plurality of set screws 92, equal in number to the fixed contacts 70 is threaded through a shelf portion 98 of the insulating contact block 80. Each of these screws engages one of the fixed contacts 70, and thereby determines the position thereof. As will be apparent each such contact has a position which it tends to assume, and it can be depressed below this position by screwing down the corresponding screw 92.

The permanent magnet 46 through the magnetic circuit heretofore described tends to attract each reed slightly toward the pole 44 and upstanding flange 52. When the coil 36 is energized with alternating current corresponding in frequency to the natural frequency to any of the reeds 66, then that reed will be set in vibration. After a few cycles of vibration, the reed will engage the contact element 74 of the corresponding fixed contact, thereby completing a circuit between the terminal 68 for the reeds and the corresponding terminal 72 of the respective fixed contact 70. The use of such a make-and-break contact is well known, and need not be discussed further.

The relay as heretofore described will respond to any of four frequencies, or narrow bands of frequencies, corresponding to the natural frequencies of the four reeds 66. For various reasons, it may be decided that any given relay should be capable of responding selectively to only one of the frequencies, or to all of these frequencies. Hence, further structure is provided as set forth immediately hereinafter.

A damper shaft 94 extends above the outer ends of the reeds 66. The damper shaft is molded of nylon or other suitable plastic, and is journalled at one end in a threaded metal bushing or ferrule 96, extending through a suitable aperture 97 in the front wall 16 of the base and peened in place therein as at 99. The ferrule is designed to extend through an aperture in a panel 101, and a nut 98 threaded onto the bushing or ferrule clamps the entire relay in position in the mounting panel 101.

The extending end of the shaft 94 forwardly of the bushing or ferrule 96 is provided with a fiat 100 for the keying of a knob thereon to rotate the shaft.

The opposite or rear end of the shaft is journalled in a circular hole (FIG. 6) in the back wall 18. A snap ring 104 is received in a groove 106 in the shaft immediately forwardly of the wall 18 to limit rearward movement of the shaft relative to this wall. A radially extending pin 108 is driven into the shaft 94 immediately to the rear of the wall 18, thereby limiting movement of the shaft forward with regard to the wall. The rear wall 18 is provided with two rearwardly struck-out fingers 110 having the upper ends thereof respectively positioned degrees apart relative to the shaft 94, and respectively engage able by the pin 108 whereby positively to limit the shaft to a predetermined 180 degrees of rotation.

The portion of the shaft 94 immediately forward of the snap ring 104 is cylindrical in nature. Immediately forwardly of such portion, as may be seen in FIGS. 6 and 9, the damper shaft has the appearance of a cam shaft, and may rather loosely be termed a cam shaft. Progressing forward, there is a succession of lobes or cams respectively identified by the numeral 112, 114, 116 and 118. Considering the parts in the positions shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the cam 112 will be seen to c0mprise a bottom chordal flat 120, which also extends along the bottoms of the other cams 114, 116 and 118. This extended fiat is spaced above all of the reeds 66, and forms no inhibition on their vibration. The chordal fiat 120 is coplanar with, and hence in a sense comprises a spaced extension of the fiat 190. However, it is provided with a different number due to its different function.

The first or rearmost cam 112 includes another chordal flat 122 at about 135 degrees of the flat 12d, and running diagonally up to the right. The next cam 114 comprises a chordal fiat 124 at right angles to and meeting the chordal fiat 120.

The next cam 116 comprises a chordal fiat 126 spaced from, but forming an angle of about 45 degrees with the chordal fiat 120. Finally, the cam 118 includes a chordal flat 128 opposite to, and in parallel spaced relation with the flat 120. Aside from the flats discussed, all of the cams are of an arcuate or circular periphery.

From the front of the cam 118, the shaft 94 extends forwardly at a uniform diameter to a circumferential enlargement 130 thereon. This enlargement holds a collar 132 forwardly against the peened-over portion 99 of the bushing or ferrule 9d. The collar 132 is keyed to the shaft 94 by the fiat 1% previously mentioned. This collar, as best may be seen in FIG. 3, is provided with five peripheral notches extending over 180 degrees of the circumference thereof. The two extreme notches are 180 degrees apart, while the other three respectively are at 45 degrees, 90 degrees, and 135 degrees.

A spring detent 136 is riveted to the bottom 14 of the base and extends up into proximity with the collar 132, the detent at that point having a crimp or offset 138 therein adapted to bear in any of the notches 134. As will be seen, the crimp and the notches are somewhat rounded, whereby the detent crimp can be cammed out of one notch when the shaft 94 is manually twisted by means of a knob (not shown) mounted on the outer end thereof.

With the damping shaft 94 in the position shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, the flat 12h clears all of the reeds 66, whereby the reeds are free to vibrate. If the shaft is rotated 45 degrees in a clockwise direction, then the cylindrical portion of each of the cams 114, 116 and 118 is brought opposite the corresponding reeds. As to the cam 112, the fiat 122 clears the corresponding reed 66, whereby that particular reed is free to vibrate. Successive clockwise shaft rotations of 45 degrees each clear the second, third and fourth reeds (reading right to left in FIG. 6) successively and respectively for vibration.

Thus, all of the reeds may be freed for vibration, or any selected one thereof may be freed for vibration by a proper rotation of the shaft 94. It will be obvious that a greater or lesser number of reeds and corresponding parts could be provided, and that various vibratory com- 'binations of reeds would be set up.

It has been found that while the simple protuberance 74 forming a contact with the reed works quite well in many circumstances, it has certain drawbacks. Coupled with the short length of the contact blade 76 cantilevered beyond the backup screw 92, the contact is rather rigid, and under some circumstances, a certain amount of contact bounce of the reed may be observed. This tends to increase the apparent stiffness of the reed, thereby causing the reed to continue in response (once it has started in vibration) if the exciting frequency is raised somewhat. Furthermore, the engaging surfaces of the contact protuberances 74 and of the adjacent contacting area of the reed 66 may become slightly oxidized or dirty, thereby inhibiting proper electric contact. A modification of the invention is shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 which overcomes the drawbacks noted.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, most of the parts are similar to those heretofore shown and described, and similar parts are identified by the use of like numerals, with the addition of the sufiix a. The distinguishing feature is that the contact 74a comprises a resilient wire of more or less hairpin shape, deflected down toward the reed. In particular, the wire contact 74a comprises a bight 140, and a pair of legs 142 diverging therefrom to a pair of substantially parallel end leg portions 144. The end leg' portions are spot welded at 146 to the underside of the contact blade a. The forward portion of the wire contact 7411 comprising the bight and the diverging legs 142 is curved down, being formed on a one inch radius. The Wire contact 74a conveniently is made of Phosphor bronze and is gold plated. The blade 70a maylbe made of Phosphor bronze or other suitable materia When the reed 66a is set into vibration of such amplitude as to bring it into engagement with the bight 140 of the wire contact 74a, the wire contact deflects up toward a planar position. This affords a resilience to the engagement of the reed and the contact. Furthermore, such engagement causes a movement of the bight 140 having a horizontal component, whereupon the bight of the wire contact moves a short distance back and forth longitudinally of the reed 66a. This maintains the area of engagement of the reed and of the wire contact clean, and hence assures a proper electric engagement.

In the initial illustrative embodiments of the invention, the fixed contact was disposed above the reed in each instance, and snubbing or damping of the reed by the cams of the damping shaft maintained the selected reed or reeds out of engagement relative to the corresponding fixed contact or contacts. It is also contemplated that the contacts be maintained in engagement, rather than out of engagement. Hence, as is shown in FIG. 12, the contacts may be maintained on the opposite side of the reed from the damping shaft, whereby engagement of one of the cams with a selected reed will hold the reed in engagement with the corresponding contact. As shown in FIG. 12, the contact 74b and the contact blade 79b (similar parts again being identified by like numerals with the add1t1on of the suffix b) are relatively inverted from the position heretofore shown. That is to say, the contact "74b is below the reed 66b, while the damping shaft 94b remains above the reed. Hence, when the damping shaft s turned to a selected position, the corresponding reed is held down in electric engagement with the correspondmg contact 74b.

It will be obvious, as heretofore noted in connection with the initial embodiment of the invention that the damping shaft could readily be designed to have more than one cam simultaneously engage a corresponding reed, whereby to set up combinations of damped reeds.

It has been observed that the electric capacity between the pole 44 and the reed 66 varies upon vibration of the reed. There is also some variation in capacity between the member 52 and the reed, although this is of considerably lesser magnitude, due to the fact that the greatest excursion occurs at the free end of the reed, rather than toward the fixed base thereof. However, the member 52 and pole piece 44 normally are electrically in engagement. This variation in capacity can be used to frequency stabilize an oscillator. Thus, many of the parts heretofore shown and described are shown somewhat schematically in FIG. 13, the same numerals being used, without the addition of any sufiix, since the parts remain unchanged. The addition thereto comprises a pair of wires 148 and 15d respectively connected to the reed and to the pole piece 44- and member 52, both leading to an oscillator 152. As will be apparent, the coil 36 is energized from the oscillator 152 by means of wires 154 and 156. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the variation in capacity between the reed and the pole piece is used to control the frequency of the oscillator 152, which in turn drives the reed 66, thereby insuring oscillation of the oscillator at the natural frequency of the reed. The reeds may all be connected in parallel to the oscillator, and the reed that is allowed to vibrate will determine the frequency of oscillation.

By a similar scheme, the oscillator is connected in FIG. 14 by means of wires 158 and 16% to the coil The impedance of the coil changes upon vibration of the reed, and the change of impedance is in accordance with the frequency of the reed, whereby the reeds selectively control the oscillation rate of the oscillator 152.

The specific example of the invention as shown and described herein is for illustrative purposes only. Various changes in structure will no doubt occur to those skilled in the art, and will be understood to form a part of the present invention insofar as they fall Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The invention is claimed as follows:

1. A selectable multi-channel resonant reed relay comprising a plurality of vibratory reeds, each having a natural frequency of vibration, means mounting said reeds with said reeds free to vibrate, means tending selectively to set said reeds in vibration, a plurality of fixed electric contact means respectively mounted adjacent said reeds, electric contact means on said reeds normally spaced from said fixed electric contact means but respectively engageable therewith upon vibration of said reeds, damper means including a plurality of different reed engaging projections selectively engageable with said reeds selectively to inhibit vibration of said reeds, at least one of said damper means projections always being spaced from a corresponding reed and non-engageable thereby, and means connected to said damper means for adjusting the relative positions of said projections to bring different selected ones of said projections into engagement with respective reeds to inhibit vibration thereof.

2. A selectable multi-channel resonant reed relay comprising a plurality of vibratory reeds, each having a natural frequency of vibration, means mounting said reeds with said reeds free to vibrate, said reeds being of magnetically susceptible material, electro-magnetic means disposed adjacent said reeds and tending selectively to set said reeds in vibration when saidelectro-ma-gnetic means is energized at a frequency corresponding to the natural frequency of a reed, a plurality of fixed electric contact means respectively mounted adjacent said reeds, electric contact means on said reeds normally spaced from said fixed electric contact means but respectively engageable therewith upon vibration of said reeds, damper means including a plurality of different reed engaging projections selectively engageable with said reeds selectively to inhibit vibration of said reeds, at least one of said damper means projections always being spaced from a corresponding reed and non-en ageable thereby, and means connected to said damper means for adjusting the relative positions of said projections to bring different selected ones of said projections into engagement with respective reeds to inhibit vibration thereof.

3. A selectable multi-channel resonant reed device comprising a plurality of vibratory reeds, each having a natural frequency of vibration, means mounting said reeds with said reeds free to vibrate, means tending selectively to set said reeds in vibration, damper means including a plurality of different reed engaging projections selectively engageable with said reeds selectively to inhibit vibration of said reeds, at least one of said damper means projections always being spaced from a corresponding reed and nonengageable thereby, and means connected to said damper means for adjusting the relative positions of said projections to bring different selected ones of said El projections into engagement with respective reeds to inhibit vibration thereof.

A reed device as set forth in claim 3 wherein the damper means are rotatably mounted, and wherein the means for adjusting the relative positions of the projections comprises means for rotating said damper means.

5. A select-able multi-charmel resonant reed device comprising a plurality of vibratory reeds, each having a natural frequency of vibration, means mounting said reeds with said reeds free to vibrate, alternating current electromagnetic means disposed adjacent said reeds, said reeds being made of magnetically susceptible material, said electromagnetic means selectively tending to set said reeds in vibration, damper means including a plurality of different reed engaging projections selectively engageable with said reeds selectively to inhibit vibration of said reeds, at least one of said damper means projections always being spaced from a corresponding reed and nonengageable thereby, and means connected to said damper means for adjusting the relative positions of said projections to bring different selected ones of said projections into engagement with respective reeds to inhibit vibration thereof.

6. A reed device as set forth in claim 5 wherein the damper means are rotatably mounted, and wherein the means for adjusting the relative positions of the projections comprises means for rotating said damper means.

7. A selectable multi-channel resonant device comprising a plurality of vibratory reeds, each having a natural frequency of vibration, means mounting said reeds with said reeds free to vibrate, means tending selectively to set said reeds in vibration and common damper means comprising a rotary shaft extending past said reeds in spaced relation thereto, said shaft having means thereon providing a plurality of lobes at different angular positions on said shaft and selectively engageable with said reeds selectively to inhibit vibration of said reeds.

8. A device as set forth in claim 7 and further including a plurality of fixed electric contacts respectively disposed adjacent said reeds and a plurality of electric contact means on said reeds normally spaced from, but engageable with the fixed contacts upon vibration of said reeds.

9. A selectable multi-channel resonant reed device comprising a plurality of vibratory reeds, each having a natural frequency of vibration, said reeds being of magnetically susceptible material, means mounting said reeds with said reeds free to vibrate, alternating current electromagnetic means disposed adjacent said reeds and selectively tending to set said reeds in vibration, common damper means including a plurality of different reed engaging projections selectively engageable with said reeds selectively to inhibit vibration thereof, at least one of said damper means projections always being spaced from a corresponding reed and non-engageable thereby, and means connected to said damper means for adjusting the relative positions of said projections to bring different selected ones of said projections into engagement with respective reeds to inhibit vibration thereof.

10. A selectable multi-channel resonant reed device comprising a plurality of vibratory reeds, each having a natural frequency of vibration, said reeds being of magnetically susceptible material, means mounting said reeds with said reeds free to vibrate, alternating current electromagnetic means disposed adjacent said reeds and selectively tending to set said reeds in vibration, and common damper means comprising a shaft disposed adjacent said plurality of reeds and having a plurality of lobes thereon respectively engageable with said reeds upon rotation of said shaft selectively to inhibit vibration of said reeds.

lll. A device as set forth in claim 10 wherein the reeds have respective electric contact means thereon, and further including a plurality of fixed electric contacts disposed adjacent said reeds and normally spaced from said reed contact means but engageable therewith upon vibration of said reed contact means.

12. A selectable multi-channel resonant reed relay comprising a plurality of vibratory reeds, each having a natural frequency of vibration, at least some of said natural frequencies of vibration being different, means mounting said reeds with said reeds free to vibrate, a magnetic pole disposed adjacent to a plurality of said reeds, permanent magnet means magnetically connected to said pole, said reeds being of magnetically susceptible material, magnetic return means connecting said pole, said permanent magnet, and said reeds magnetically, a coil disposed adjacent said pole and adapted for AC magnetization of said pole whereby selectively to set said reed in vibration, each of said reeds having electric contact means thereon, a plurality of fixed electric contact means respectively disposed adjacent said reeds and normally spaced from said reed contact means but engageable therewith upon vibration of said reeds, and damper means selectively engageable with said reeds selectively to inhibit vibration thereof, said damper means comprising a rotatably mounted shaft extending past said reeds and having a plurality of lobes thereon respectively selectively engageable with said reeds upon rotation of said shaft.

13. A selectable multi-channel resonant reed relay comprising a plurality of vibratory reeds, each having a natural frequency of vibration, means mounting said reeds with said reeds free to vibrate, means tending selectively to set said reeds in vibration, a plurality of fixed electric contact means respectively mounted adjacent said reeds, electric contact means on said reeds normally spaced from said fixed electric contact means but respectively engageable therewith upon vibration of said reeds, rotary damper means selectively engageable with said reeds selectively to inhibit vibration thereof, means rotatably mounting said damper means adjacent said reeds for such selective engagement, and means for selectively rotating said damper means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,777,950 1/1957 Doremus 25036 2,793,293 5/1957 Ehrlinger et al. 25036 2,905,039 9/1959 Alvarez 84-104 2,922,013 1/1960 Huffman 200l66 2,965,739 12/1960 Alexandersson 200l66 2,967,219 1/1961 Galin 20090 2,990,461 6/ 1961 Laurien 200-91 3,029,326 4/1962 Fischer 20090 3,033,955 5/1962 Monda et al. 200-91 3,138,745 6/1964 Slater et al. 20091 BERNARD A. GILHEANY, Primary Examiner. ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Examiner. 

1. A SELECTABLE MULTI-CHANNEL RESONANT REED RELAY COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF VIBRATORY REEDS, EACH HAVING A NATURAL FREQUENCY OF VIBRATION, MEANS MOUNTING SAID REEDS WITH SAID REEDS FREE TO VIBRATE, MEANS TENDING SELECTIVELY TO SET SAID REEDS IN VIBRATION, A PLURALITY OF FEED ELECTRIC CONTACT MEANS RESPECTIVELY MOUNTED ADJACENT SAID REEDS, ELECTRIC CONTACT MEANS ON S AID REEDS NORMALLY SPACED FROM SAID FIXED ELECTRIC CONTACT MEANS BUT RESPECTIVELY ENGAGEABLE THEREWITH UPON VIBRATION OF SAID REEDS, DAMPER MEANS INCLUDING A PLURALITY OF DIFFERENT REED ENGAGING PROJECTIONS SELECTIVELY ENGAGEABLE WITH SAID REEDS SELECTIVELY TO INHIBIT VIBRATION TO SAID REEDS, AT LEAST ONE OF SAID DAMPER MEANS PROJECTION ALWAYS BEING SPACED FROM A CORRESPONDING REED AND NON-ENGAGEABLE THEREBY, AND MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID DAMPER MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE RELATIVE POSITIONS OF SAID PROJECTIONS TO BRING DIFFERENT SELECTED ONES OF SAID PROJECTION INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH RESPECTIVE REEDS TO INHIBIT VIBRATION THEREOF. 